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The history of Dry Creek Vineyard is a long and colorful one. Founded in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard paved the way for a renaissance of winemaking and viticulture in the Dry Creek Valley. Before his arrival, the Dry Creek Valley was little more than a few family farms and prune orchards. It was Dave’s vision to start a Loire Valley inspired winery that reintroduced consu... Read more

The history of Dry Creek Vineyard is a long and colorful one. Founded in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard paved the way for a renaissance of winemaking and viticulture in the Dry Creek Valley. Before his arrival, the Dry Creek Valley was little more than a few family farms and prune orchards. It was Dave’s vision to start a Loire Valley inspired winery that reintroduced consumers to the wines of northern Sonoma County. Without a doubt, David Stare is a pioneer. Heading west in the late 1960s, Dave personified the character and work ethic of early Gold Rush pioneers. Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dave worked for the B&O Railroad for several years but quickly realized that his true calling was in the wine industry. Inspired by his trips to the Loire Valley, Dave headed west to California to start his own family winery. Upon his arrival, Dave began taking winemaking classes at UC Davis as a graduate student. On the weekends, he spent time looking at vineyard land from Monterey to Mendocino. It was during one of those weekend trips that fate drew Dave to the Dry Creek Valley. When he saw an old prune orchard across the street from the Dry Creek General Store, Dave realized that he had found his dream location. He purchased the orchard and began planting vines. Captivated by his memories of Loire-style wines, Sauvignon Blanc seemed destined to figure prominently in the Dry Creek Vineyard portfolio. However, several famed vineyard specialists advised him against planting Sauvignon Blanc. Always defiant, Dave planted the varietal anyway and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, our second-generation family owned winery continues to evolve and grow to meet the demands of a global wine marketplace. The primary mission of our winery is to produce distinctive wines that over deliver on quality. For more than 30 years, this pursuit of winemaking excellence has lead to many international awards and accolades. With a loyal following of wine club members and customers, the future of Dry Creek Vineyard has never been brighter. Read less

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A Gold Medal Wine Club Gold Series selection. The Handley Cellars 2005 Chardonnay is an elegant wine with nicely balanced flavors representing the bright fruit flavors of their Dry Creek Valley vineyard. Rated an impressive 91 Points by Wine & Spirits and the recipient of excellent 4 Stars by Restaurant Wine magazine, it’s easy to see why Handley has been known for their remarkable Chardonnays. This 2005 vintage is light yellow in color and opens with a refreshingly crispy granny smith apple bouquet with hints of peaches, oranges, pears, and roasted nuts. On the palate, this round and full-bodied Chardonnay is extremely well balanced, creamy, and soft textured with buoyant flavors of vanilla, pear, melon and toasty oak with hints of spice. Winemakers Milla Handley and Kristen Barnhisel allowed the wine to undergo partial malolactic fermentation in order to enhance the orange cream, cocoa and melon flavors that are characteristic of Dry Creek Chardonnays. The wine overall has great acidity and would pair well with sushi, mild chicken mole, and poached fish with shallots or sole with a lemon butter sauce. 100% Chardonnay. Enjoy now until 2010.

Wine Tasting NotesAt first swirl, this Chardonnay has a brilliant light yellow, golden color, which is clear and precise. On the nose, there is wonderful complexity with enticing aromas of citrus, hazelnut, pear and spicy nuances. Dense, minerally and perfumed in the mouth, with excellent structure, this wine is rich without being overpowering. The finish combines citrus nuances and a penetrating stony character, as the lingering flavors of pear make this Chardonnay even more enticing.